Turku tram opponents intensify lobbying as councillors call pressure unprecedented

Opponents of Turku’s planned tram system have escalated their lobbying efforts ahead of the city council’s May decision, with councillors describing the campaign as unusually aggressive, reports Yle.

The Ratikkavaalit (Tram Election) group, which opposes the €465 million project—the largest investment in Turku’s history—has directly contacted councillors, warning them of personal responsibility for the tram’s risks. In a Sunday message seen by Yle, the group questioned the fairness of the decision-making process and raised concerns about potential party discipline in the vote.

Three major party leaders—Sofia Engblom (Greens), Mika Maaskola (SDP), and Olli Manni (National Coalition)—all described the lobbying as exceptional. Maaskola, a councillor since 2005, said this was the first time he had experienced such pressure, while Manni urged restraint, noting that “life will continue after the decision.”

The Ratikkavaalit campaign, founded before the municipal elections, includes prominent local figures from politics, business, and media. It argues that electric buses would be a better alternative. The group’s spokesperson, Janne Pöyhönen, confirmed monthly messages to councillors since last summer, aiming to critique potential bloc voting. The SDP has considered a unified party stance, which Pöyhönen questioned as undemocratic.

When asked about funding, Pöyhönen declined to name backers, stating the group operates voluntarily. Last spring, Turun Sanomat reported that real estate investor Heikki Vaiste, Hesburger founder Heikki Salmela, and others donated €20,000 to anti-tram candidates. Vaiste now denies involvement, while Salmela’s response was noncommittal.